Pollen allergy in children: what are the symptoms and how can they be relieved?

But what are the warning signs in a child? From what age can a pollen allergy appear? What are the treatments? We take stock

Itchy, red eyes, swollen eyelids, a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and palate, and even difficulty breathing... All of this occurs at a certain time of year. These are all signs that should alert you to a possible pollen allergy in a child. Pollen allergies can manifest as rhinitis or allergic asthma, but symptoms can vary and evolve with age.

Note that generally, allergies develop and can be explored from the age of 3 and that a child of allergic parents is more likely to be allergic themselves.

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The incidence of allergic rhinitis – better known as "hay fever" – has quadrupled over the past three decades. In France, one in three people is affected.

In case of suspected allergy, the general practitioner or pediatrician prescribes an assessment to be carried out by an allergist who will question the young patient and their parents about their symptoms, but also about their environment and habits. A clinical examination, then an assessment with skin tests (prick tests) will be carried out. These can be supplemented by a blood test by measuring allergen-specific IgE. In the case of allergic asthma, the diagnosis is made following the performance of respiratory function tests to measure breath and bronchial obstruction.

Although it is almost impossible to avoid pollen, which is carried by the air, there are a number of actions that can help reduce exposure to this allergen: ventilate in the morning, avoid outdoor activities when the weather is dry and windy, wash your hair and nose in the evening, close car windows, do not dry laundry outside, etc.

It is also advisable to regularly consult the website of the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA), which indicates which pollens are present at what time and in which department. The different pollens are present from the beginning of spring until approximately October, but the most frequent and severe allergies are those to birch pollen (from the end of March) and grass pollen (from July to September).